Merry Christmas!
Posted by Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, at 23:26, Mon 19 December 2005:
I’m delighted to see more and more people signing up to HearFromYourMP. Greater involvement and engagement in politics is good for democracy. That’s one reason why this month I tabled a Commons motion supporting the 2009 project http://www.the2009project.com , which aims to get all those who will be under 35 at the next election to pledge to vote. I am encouraged when I visit schools – this month it was Bearsden Academy and Turnbull High in Bishopbriggs – as the question and answer sessions are always lively, putting paid to the myth that young people don’t care about politics.
The Turner report has also turned the spotlight on pensions over the past few weeks, and last Wednesday I raised the issue of the unfairness of womens’ pensions on the Channel 4 Political Slot. Instead of bureaucratic means testing and paltry pensions for many people who have take time out from paid work to be carers, we should have a decent basic pension based on residency – a Citizen’s Pension of £109 per week, rising in line with earnings. It is affordable, although tough decisions will have to be made, such as phasing in over the next few decades a later retirement age, and reforming public sector pensions (including MPs pensions!). This would give dignity in retirement, and provide a sound basis for pensions in the light of changing demograhics.
My office will close for Christmas on Thu 22 Dec and reopen on Wed 4 Jan. However I will be holding surgeries in my Bishopbriggs office on Fri 23 Dec from 5:30pm – 6:30pm and Wednesday 28 Dec from 9:30am – 10:30am.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Jo
More detailed information on my activities in Parliament and the constituency are always available on www.joswinson.org.uk.
News stories posted to my website this month:
* Jo supports anti-spiking campaign
- http://www.joswinson.org.uk/news/231.html
* Turnbull High welcomes Jo Swinson
- http://joswinson.org.uk/news/230.html
* Antonine Wall should be World Heritage Site – Jo
- http://joswinson.org.uk/news/229.html
* Winning card design helps spread Christmas cheer
- http://joswinson.org.uk/news/227.html
* Jo Swinson calls on Parliament to encourage young voters
- http://joswinson.org.uk/news/226.html
* Back to school for Jo Swinson
- http://www.joswinson.org.uk/news/225.html
* Jo pays tribute to Christmas post workers
- http://www.joswinson.org.uk/news/224.html
* Chancellor must not be allowed to break pensions consensus
- http://www.joswinson.org.uk/news/223.html
* Jo joins with Milngavie campaigner in supporting World AIDS Day
- http://www.joswinson.org.uk/news/222.html
* Carers should get support they are entitled to – Jo
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